Payback time for consumers thanks to tenacious council

A SOUTHGATE second hand car dealer has been ordered to pay out £57,812 within six months or face two years in jail.

Thoros Georgiou was given the ultimatum after the proceeds of crime case at Wood Green Crown court on Friday, 22 May.

Mr Georgiou was originally found guilty selling clocked motors from car lot in Bramley Road, in November 2006, following an Enfield Council Trading Standards investigation, when he was ordered to serve 150 hours community service.

Mr Georgiou claimed he had no money or assets however, the court found he no longer running Oakwood Motor Company (London) Ltd, as his ex-wife was now the sole director.

However, Judge, HHJ Pawlak, said Mr Georgiou did in fact run the firm and said the business had a gross turnover of £1,861,622 and that this figure was considered to be the benefit gained from his crimes.

The Judge said the £57, 812 figure was calculated after he took into account £12, 000 Mr Georgiou had previously paid back to victims of his con crime.

Councillor Terry Neville – cabinet member for environment said: “This result is a testament to the tenacity of Enfield Council’s Trading Standards team and their determination to protect consumers.

“This case sends out a clear message that Enfield Council will not tolerate conmen ripping off our residents.”

This document was last updated on 2008-06-03 11:48:25 published by the Communications team. Document Reference:LBE_132823